The endocannabinoid system, discovered in the early 1990s modulates various functions in the body. Cells in the system that house receptors, including CB1 andCB2 are “activated” by chemicals known as cannabinoids.

There are more than 80 different cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L (marijuana and hemp) The two most well-known of these chemicals are DBD and tetrahydrocannabinl (THC) . THC impacts the CBI receptor found mainly in the brain. It results in the euphoria received when smoking marijuana. CBD activates the CB2 receptor. This receptor is present mainly in the immune system and is responsible for controlling processes such as inflammation.

Hemp has much lower amounts of THC, and it is increasingly being bred to have more CBD. This is partially due to the definition of hemp in the Agricultural ACT of 2014. The low-THC, high CBD trend was also sparked by an understanding of CBD’s potential health benefits when media reports hit the airwaves about children who were crippled by seizures obtaining relief with CBD.

Medical cannabis seems safe and initial studies regarding efficacy are positive While doctors don’t deter patients from using the substance, the also don’t recommend it because it isn’t fully understood. “We want it to be investigated and shown to be safe … we want a medication, not an herbal remedy.”